From October 13 to 19, 2024, Krzyżowa hosted the “Young Leaders” project, organized by the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe with financial support from the German Consulate. The initiative aimed to equip young leaders with essential skills and knowledge to foster effective and empathetic collaboration with youth and children who have experienced displacement, migration, or refugee status.

Key Objectives

The project focused on developing leadership competencies, gaining international experience, and acquiring practical knowledge in psychological and social support. Participants had the opportunity to exchange views and build connections with peers from various countries who shared similar life challenges. The program emphasized resilience, creativity, and nurturing self-confidence, empathy, and hope.

A significant component of the project was using art as a medium to discuss war and its consequences. These activities aimed to enhance participants’ skills in supporting youth facing challenging life circumstances.

Program Highlights

The meeting began with exploring the history of Krzyżowa as a symbol of Polish-German dialogue and reconciliation. Historian Tetiana Hrebenkina guided participants through the site, shedding light on its historical importance. The program included:

• Migration Workshops: Led by Sarah Schumayer, focusing on migration-related issues.
• Leadership Training: Conducted by Oleksii Sliusarenko to enhance leadership skills.
• Excursion to Wrocław: Participants visited the Centrum Historii Zajezdnia and met with the NOMADA organization, which supports migrants.
• Art Workshop: Facilitated by artist Uladzimir Hramovich, where participants conceptualized non-existent monuments symbolizing war and migration experiences.

Evenings were dedicated to live music, board games, disco nights, and table tennis, fostering integration and mutual understanding.

Participants

The project brought together 20 young individuals from Poland, Ukraine, and Germany, including those with migration or refugee experiences or those working with affected youth. Participants represented organizations such as the Catholic Intelligentsia Club, Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Ukrainisch-Deutscher Verein “Dach” e.V., and the Alliance of Development.

Impact

Participants praised the project’s organization and value. One attendee remarked:
"Thank you for this incredibly meaningful project—everything was fantastic. I hope for future meetings and wish you success in upcoming initiatives!"

Another participant highlighted the professionalism of the trainers and the engaging program:
"I am grateful to the trainers for their professionalism and support. I especially appreciated the interactive sessions that allowed us to apply our knowledge in practice. This was an inspiring and valuable project. Tetiana and Oleksii were amazing!"

Outcomes

The project created a platform for participants to share migration and war-related stories filled with emotions, challenges, and hope. It inspired ambitious group projects, including proposals for systemic education reforms, promoting STEM education, combating fake news, and introducing innovative two-year educational models.

The “Young Leaders” project not only provided knowledge but also offered inspiration and support, empowering young leaders to continue their impactful work with youth and children in difficult circumstances.